Recent Developments in Colon Specific Drug Delivery Systems: Approaches Promising in Targeting Colon

Abstract

Colon drug delivery is intended to target the drug molecules to the local area of colon to treat various diseases such as crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer etc. It is still considered as an idyllic site for the delivery of drugs by timed releasing system, coating with pH sensitive polymer, prodrug and colonic microflora activated delivery system. Amongst different types of delivery systems microflora activated delivery systems has appeared to be one of the most efficacious approaches in this direction, since the enormous bacteria population as well as associated enzymes trigger the drug release mechanism from the delivery system. In the midst of systems developed, most recently COLAL technology, CODESTM, MMXTM and PHLORALTM technologies are unique in terms of attaining the desired site in vivo, feasibility and design rationale of the system. The present review highlights the recent advancements made in drug delivery technologies for colon specific delivery systems to target the colon, in specific considering the transitory description of the delivery systems.